Min Aung Hlaing has been elected Myanmar’s president after winning a parliamentary vote dominated by pro-military lawmakers, formalizing his control of the country five years after leading a coup against an elected government.The 69-year-old general won the presidency after a vote in a parliament controlled by the largely military-backed Union Solidarity and Development party and appointing representatives of the armed forces.Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, seized power in 2021 by overthrowing the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, arresting her and sparking nationwide protests that later evolved into an armed resistance movement.His rise to the presidency followed elections in December and January, which were won by the military-backed party. The elections were criticized by opposition groups and Western governments as lacking credibility and seen as a mechanism to extend military rule under a civilian framework.During the live broadcast of vote counting, Min Aung Hlaing easily passed the threshold needed to secure the presidency.His transition to the presidency coincided with a reshuffle in the military leadership. Earlier this week, Min Aung Hlaing named Ye Win Oo, a former intelligence chief considered a close ally, as his successor to lead the armed forces.Analysts see the move as a strategic effort to consolidate authority while projecting the image of a civilian administration.“He has long harbored a presidential ambition to attain the position of Commander-in-Chief and it appears that his dream is now becoming a reality,” independent analyst Aung Kyaw Soe said.The change is also seen as an attempt to gain international legitimacy while maintaining the military’s influence over the regime.Despite the change in leadership, Myanmar remains engulfed in conflict. Armed resistance groups, including factions linked to Suu Kyi’s party and ethnic minority forces, have stepped up coordination against the military.“Our vision and strategic objective is to completely eliminate all forms of dictatorship, including military dictatorship, and collectively usher in a new political landscape,” the Steering Council for the Emergence of the Federal Democratic Union said in a statement.Analysts have warned that opposition groups may face increased military pressure under the new political system as well as changing dynamics with neighboring countries.Experts say the evolving political and economic environment could further complicate resistance efforts.“Amid the global oil and fuel shortage and economic crisis, it may be difficult to maintain organizational stability,” said analyst Tsai Ki Zin So.“As these difficulties increase, it may become more difficult to build mutual understanding and trust between groups, reach strong agreements, and maintain cooperation.”The development underscores the ongoing instability in Myanmar, where the military’s consolidation of power is playing out alongside an ongoing civil conflict with no immediate resolution in sight.